Ex-Red Devil names two Man United players who need to pass crucial “test” against Man City

Former Manchester United midfielder Luke Chadwick has warned Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane that Erling Haaland will put them to the test in this weekend’s Manchester Derby against Manchester City.

After a poor start to the season, the Red Devils have improved significantly in recent games, but it remains to be seen whether they are truly ready for a team like City.

Erik ten Hag appears to have made some progress with these players, with Chadwick citing improved defense as a crucial factor in Man United’s recent run of form.

However, against City goal machine Haaland, Martinez and Varane will undoubtedly face their toughest test of the season, one that they must pass if they are to have any hope of a result at the Etihad Stadium.

“Erling Haaland has had an incredible start to the season, but United’s defense has tightened up, so it’ll be intriguing to see how the likes of Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane pass this test,” Chadwick told CaughtOffside.

“The obvious threat is Erling Haaland; he doesn’t always have a big impact on the game, but he’s scored a lot of goals.” He didn’t have the best performance in that Champions League game against Borussia Dortmund, but he won it with an incredible worldie.

“He’s the biggest goal-scoring threat, but De Bruyne is so vital, he’s such a complete player and will be looking to put those balls into Haaland.”

“But they’ve got threats all over the place, Pep Guardiola has an embarrassment of riches with the likes of Phil Foden, Bernardo Silva, and Jack Grealish – you just hope it’s one of those days where it doesn’t quite work out for them.”

“However, United will have to score because I don’t see City not scoring on the day.”